Mississippi first formally ratified the 13th Amendment on March 16, 1995 , which is when it officially abolished slavery in the state’s records. The 13th Amendment itself abolished slavery nationwide in 1865 , but Mississippi had failed to ratify it until that 1995 vote.

Quick Scoop

  • Nationwide abolition: December 1865, when the 13th Amendment was adopted.
  • Mississippi’s official ratification: March 16, 1995.
  • Why the confusion: Mississippi had rejected the amendment in 1865 and did not complete the paperwork until 1995.

If you want, I can also give you the 1-sentence version or explain why some sources mention 2013.